Wednesday, February 15, 2017

grandchildren and grandparents

"Grandchildren are the crown of old men..." - Proverbs 17:6

This is one of my recent devotionals from ‘Right From the
Heart’.Since I’m the proud Nana of four
grandblessings, it puts the relationships into perspective.I only remember my maternal grandparents.I have some of the sweetest, precious,
tender, and warm memories of our visits.They lived in another state, and the distance was maybe 10 hours by car,
much longer before the interstates were built.

I'm so grateful to have my grandkids living so close. We get to see them often, do fun things together, go to exciting places, or just enjoy UNO or Legos or Barbies. I'm amazed by the blessings God has given us - four beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and awesome grandkids!

Grandparents and Grandchildren

Isn’t it amazing how the normal conflicts in the parent-child relationship
don’t seem to be a problem with grandparents and grandchildren? Now,
grandparents may have old-fashioned values, but they’re loved and admired
by their grandchildren.

What do you think of when you think of a beloved grandparent? Even hardened
cynics often get misty-eyed when recalling memories of a grandparent, yet
grandparents are often the forgotten victims of divorce and separation. In June
of 2000, the Supreme Court defended the parents’ right to restrict or cut off
ties with the grandparents of their children. Such a sad state of mind.

Parents, let’s do all we can to enhance the relationship between our
children and their grandparents. It’s part of their heritage that they need to
understand. It’s part of their identity that makes them whole. God’s Word says,
“Grandchildren are the crown of old men.” If at all possible, don’t deny them
their crown.

“A
person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided
cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12(NLT)
Relationships are an important part of life. We begin a relationship
with someone from the moment we are born and most of us will continue in
relationships of some sort until the day we die. God encourages
relationships. The Bible is full of them. It is obvious that from the
beginning of time, people need people. Even God Himself said about Adam
in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a
companion who will help him.” Jesus, too, did not do life alone. He had
His family, friends, and disciples to love, help, and encourages Him
throughout His life here on earth.
Today, I want to take a look at the different relationships in our
lives. I also want to point out the importance of prioritizing them.
Friends, if you want to lead a balanced life with purpose, it is crucial
to order the relationships in your life God’s way.Number One: Your Relationship with God. This should
be the most important relationship in your life. Don’t say that you
don’t have time– you do. We make the time for what is important to us,
don’t we? The way to get to know God better is to spend time in His
Word. Try spending at least fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time with
the Lord every day. More would be better, but do what you can to develop
the habit. God’s Word will teach, equip, cheer, encourage, and guide
you.Number Two: Your Relationship with your husband….if
you are married, of course. Just like it’s important to spend time with
God, it’s also important to make time for your husband. I have found
that this relationship is the one that takes the most effort for me. I
love my husband dearly, but I also take him for granted the most. It’s
easy for me to allow my children, friends, or just busyness to get in
the way of time with my husband. Set aside time each morning and evening
to communicate with your husband in some way. Hug and kiss often and
say “I love you” whenever you get the chance. Let your actions show him
and others that you respect and honor him. One thing that my husband and
I have started doing again is dating. Just like before we were married,
we go out on dates. It takes time, effort, and often money, but it’s
worth the investment. If money is tight, create a date at home or go to
the park or for a walk together. Whatever it takes, spend time alone
together, and make it a weekly habit.Number Three: Your relationship with your
children….if you are a mom. When I became a mom, I did not know what I
was in for. I had no idea the extent of sacrifice it would take to raise
my children. It’s worth every bit of it too. I once read that kids
spell love – T I M E. I believe that with all my heart. God’s Word tells
us that children are a gift from Him. We are to treat them like that, a
gift. Motherhood is a high calling….possibly the highest we will ever
have in our lives. It requires time and special attention. They are only
with us for a short time, so let’s make the most of it.Number Four: Your relationship with others. This
includes everyone reading this. Our relationships with other people
could include family, friends, business associates, mentors, neighbors
and more. These are important, and in order to develop, grow, and
nurture these relationships, time is needed. I happen to be blessed with
many friends and cherished family members. Although I don’t have time
to spend with them each day, I always want them to know how important
they are in my life and how much I love them. That takes effort on my
part, but what I receive back is priceless. If you find yourself lacking
in this area, create special moments with these special people in your
life. Make a phone call. Mail a card. Send an email. Invite to lunch.
Have a party. Create a “girls’ night out” event. Pray for them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that alone we can be attacked and
defeated. This says to me, that we need people in our lives. We weren’t
meant to go this life alone. It is often someone close to me who reminds
me that I’m special when I’m feeling defeated. When I am alone, I often
listen to the wrong voice if I’m not careful. The people in my life
offer me love, encouragement, and fulfillment that tell me otherwise. I
often refer to them as Jesus with skin on. This verse goes on to say
that “two can stand back to back and conquer”. Then there is my favorite
part. It’s when God is a part of our relationships. “Three are even
better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
- See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/relationships-2/#sthash.MGC4i5d4.dpuf

“A
person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided
cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12(NLT)
Relationships are an important part of life. We begin a relationship
with someone from the moment we are born and most of us will continue in
relationships of some sort until the day we die. God encourages
relationships. The Bible is full of them. It is obvious that from the
beginning of time, people need people. Even God Himself said about Adam
in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a
companion who will help him.” Jesus, too, did not do life alone. He had
His family, friends, and disciples to love, help, and encourages Him
throughout His life here on earth.
Today, I want to take a look at the different relationships in our
lives. I also want to point out the importance of prioritizing them.
Friends, if you want to lead a balanced life with purpose, it is crucial
to order the relationships in your life God’s way.Number One: Your Relationship with God. This should
be the most important relationship in your life. Don’t say that you
don’t have time– you do. We make the time for what is important to us,
don’t we? The way to get to know God better is to spend time in His
Word. Try spending at least fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time with
the Lord every day. More would be better, but do what you can to develop
the habit. God’s Word will teach, equip, cheer, encourage, and guide
you.Number Two: Your Relationship with your husband….if
you are married, of course. Just like it’s important to spend time with
God, it’s also important to make time for your husband. I have found
that this relationship is the one that takes the most effort for me. I
love my husband dearly, but I also take him for granted the most. It’s
easy for me to allow my children, friends, or just busyness to get in
the way of time with my husband. Set aside time each morning and evening
to communicate with your husband in some way. Hug and kiss often and
say “I love you” whenever you get the chance. Let your actions show him
and others that you respect and honor him. One thing that my husband and
I have started doing again is dating. Just like before we were married,
we go out on dates. It takes time, effort, and often money, but it’s
worth the investment. If money is tight, create a date at home or go to
the park or for a walk together. Whatever it takes, spend time alone
together, and make it a weekly habit.Number Three: Your relationship with your
children….if you are a mom. When I became a mom, I did not know what I
was in for. I had no idea the extent of sacrifice it would take to raise
my children. It’s worth every bit of it too. I once read that kids
spell love – T I M E. I believe that with all my heart. God’s Word tells
us that children are a gift from Him. We are to treat them like that, a
gift. Motherhood is a high calling….possibly the highest we will ever
have in our lives. It requires time and special attention. They are only
with us for a short time, so let’s make the most of it.Number Four: Your relationship with others. This
includes everyone reading this. Our relationships with other people
could include family, friends, business associates, mentors, neighbors
and more. These are important, and in order to develop, grow, and
nurture these relationships, time is needed. I happen to be blessed with
many friends and cherished family members. Although I don’t have time
to spend with them each day, I always want them to know how important
they are in my life and how much I love them. That takes effort on my
part, but what I receive back is priceless. If you find yourself lacking
in this area, create special moments with these special people in your
life. Make a phone call. Mail a card. Send an email. Invite to lunch.
Have a party. Create a “girls’ night out” event. Pray for them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that alone we can be attacked and
defeated. This says to me, that we need people in our lives. We weren’t
meant to go this life alone. It is often someone close to me who reminds
me that I’m special when I’m feeling defeated. When I am alone, I often
listen to the wrong voice if I’m not careful. The people in my life
offer me love, encouragement, and fulfillment that tell me otherwise. I
often refer to them as Jesus with skin on. This verse goes on to say
that “two can stand back to back and conquer”. Then there is my favorite
part. It’s when God is a part of our relationships. “Three are even
better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
- See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/relationships-2/#sthash.MGC4i5d4.dpuf

“A
person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided
cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12(NLT)
Relationships are an important part of life. We begin a relationship
with someone from the moment we are born and most of us will continue in
relationships of some sort until the day we die. God encourages
relationships. The Bible is full of them. It is obvious that from the
beginning of time, people need people. Even God Himself said about Adam
in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a
companion who will help him.” Jesus, too, did not do life alone. He had
His family, friends, and disciples to love, help, and encourages Him
throughout His life here on earth.
Today, I want to take a look at the different relationships in our
lives. I also want to point out the importance of prioritizing them.
Friends, if you want to lead a balanced life with purpose, it is crucial
to order the relationships in your life God’s way.Number One: Your Relationship with God. This should
be the most important relationship in your life. Don’t say that you
don’t have time– you do. We make the time for what is important to us,
don’t we? The way to get to know God better is to spend time in His
Word. Try spending at least fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time with
the Lord every day. More would be better, but do what you can to develop
the habit. God’s Word will teach, equip, cheer, encourage, and guide
you.Number Two: Your Relationship with your husband….if
you are married, of course. Just like it’s important to spend time with
God, it’s also important to make time for your husband. I have found
that this relationship is the one that takes the most effort for me. I
love my husband dearly, but I also take him for granted the most. It’s
easy for me to allow my children, friends, or just busyness to get in
the way of time with my husband. Set aside time each morning and evening
to communicate with your husband in some way. Hug and kiss often and
say “I love you” whenever you get the chance. Let your actions show him
and others that you respect and honor him. One thing that my husband and
I have started doing again is dating. Just like before we were married,
we go out on dates. It takes time, effort, and often money, but it’s
worth the investment. If money is tight, create a date at home or go to
the park or for a walk together. Whatever it takes, spend time alone
together, and make it a weekly habit.Number Three: Your relationship with your
children….if you are a mom. When I became a mom, I did not know what I
was in for. I had no idea the extent of sacrifice it would take to raise
my children. It’s worth every bit of it too. I once read that kids
spell love – T I M E. I believe that with all my heart. God’s Word tells
us that children are a gift from Him. We are to treat them like that, a
gift. Motherhood is a high calling….possibly the highest we will ever
have in our lives. It requires time and special attention. They are only
with us for a short time, so let’s make the most of it.Number Four: Your relationship with others. This
includes everyone reading this. Our relationships with other people
could include family, friends, business associates, mentors, neighbors
and more. These are important, and in order to develop, grow, and
nurture these relationships, time is needed. I happen to be blessed with
many friends and cherished family members. Although I don’t have time
to spend with them each day, I always want them to know how important
they are in my life and how much I love them. That takes effort on my
part, but what I receive back is priceless. If you find yourself lacking
in this area, create special moments with these special people in your
life. Make a phone call. Mail a card. Send an email. Invite to lunch.
Have a party. Create a “girls’ night out” event. Pray for them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that alone we can be attacked and
defeated. This says to me, that we need people in our lives. We weren’t
meant to go this life alone. It is often someone close to me who reminds
me that I’m special when I’m feeling defeated. When I am alone, I often
listen to the wrong voice if I’m not careful. The people in my life
offer me love, encouragement, and fulfillment that tell me otherwise. I
often refer to them as Jesus with skin on. This verse goes on to say
that “two can stand back to back and conquer”. Then there is my favorite
part. It’s when God is a part of our relationships. “Three are even
better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
- See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/relationships-2/#sthash.MGC4i5d4.dpuf